Once you decide on a career path
and determine the type of education you need, you need to decide what type of
school to attend. Traditional schools are for those
pursuing education considered white-color in nature. Vocational schools are for
those pursuing education that is more blue-color in nature, think hands-on type
work. Degrees that are considered white-collar will encompass (but are not
limited to) education, business, criminal justice, and nursing. Vocational in
nature pathways typically include fields such as welding, automotive
technology, and hospitality studies. These pathways do not usually require
traditional academic classes like English and math. They can be completed in
short amounts of time and much of the training will be hands-on.
Many vocational options can also be found at the local state community college. These schools are designed for students to "earn a credential, transfer to a four-year university or receive job training." And, state community colleges have regional accreditation which leads to highly transferable college credit. Most vocational schools are nationally accredited. Credits from regionally accredited institutions are the most transferable. Credits from a nationally accredited institution will transfer to other nationally accredited institutions, but almost never to regionally accredited institutions. That isn't to say that nationally-accredited institutions are bad. There are many solid nationally-accredited vocational schools that will deliver a quality education. I'm most concerned with the longevity of your credits. If you go to a nationally accredited school and then decide you want to transfer or continue with higher education, you will most likely not take a transfer credit with you.
Many state community colleges also offer associate degrees in these types of fields. Look at this chart compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on 2016 data.
Many vocational options can also be found at the local state community college. These schools are designed for students to "earn a credential, transfer to a four-year university or receive job training." And, state community colleges have regional accreditation which leads to highly transferable college credit. Most vocational schools are nationally accredited. Credits from regionally accredited institutions are the most transferable. Credits from a nationally accredited institution will transfer to other nationally accredited institutions, but almost never to regionally accredited institutions. That isn't to say that nationally-accredited institutions are bad. There are many solid nationally-accredited vocational schools that will deliver a quality education. I'm most concerned with the longevity of your credits. If you go to a nationally accredited school and then decide you want to transfer or continue with higher education, you will most likely not take a transfer credit with you.
Many state community colleges also offer associate degrees in these types of fields. Look at this chart compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on 2016 data.
https://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm
This demonstrates that, even in a
good economy, having an associate degree lowers the unemployment rate from 5.2
to 3.6, a point-and-a-half. So, on top of offering juicy transfer credits, many
community colleges also have attached apprenticeships and on-the-job training
(OJT).
Whichever type of school you choose,
make sure that you do your recon first. If you are still wrestling with
determining your best option, call the education center where you are stationed
or if you are a vet call the education center at the last base you were
stationed on. The counselors work foe the military, not for any particular
school. They will give you unbiased information.
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